The RNLI shops started life as simple cake stalls, run by volunteers and their supporters to raise money for the local Lifeboats and stations. These stalls started selling commemorative RNLI products in around 1920 and quickly moved on to selling souvenirs and Christmas cards. The first shop to be run as part of an actual station opened in 1990.

Today we operate 160 RNLI shops and this number is growing, based inland and on the coast across the UK and Ireland, attracting almost 1 million visitors every year selling an excellent range of unique and competitively priced products ranging from jam to clothing, and key rings to model boats, all to raise vital funds for our volunteer crew members and lifeguards.

For many people, buying something from an RNLI shop will be the first time that they come into contact with our charity, and as a shop volunteer you could be the person that engages them to support us now, and in the future. Your welcoming nature will ensure that our shops are a friendly and attractive place to buy.

Customer service, stock display, replenishment, housekeeping and cash handling are all tasks that you can expect to be called to do during your shift. We are also looking for volunteers to take on specific tasks such as rota co-ordination, stock co-ordination and banking. You will receive relevant training for this and be welcomed into a friendly local team. Could you help the shop team to make our customers’ experience an inspiring one?